It's good to be home.

Wow. Five months gone by and I'm back home from my stay in Spain and my travels through Europe. It was quite an experience, marked by an abundance of free time, eternal Spanish, self-reflection, readjustment, overcoming obstacles and fears, making friends, and gaining perspective. I'd say one significant shift in my world view is that toward becoming more of a global citizen. I don't feel that being American or Californian is particularly significant. Instead, I find my allegiance amongst the ranks of mankind and know that I must give to this international community instead of hoarding resources within the boundaries of my homeland. If I went to Spain looking for myself, in some ways I did so, but in other ways, I lost myself even more. I know my values more surely than before, but my essence is more foreign to me than ever. Who knows who I am. But I've rediscovered what is trully important in life: it's not about getting things done or maintaining standards or moving up in the world. It's all about enjoying the small things, like bathing in the sprinklers or running on springy grass. Those are what really count.

I hope that those of you who have read my blog have enjoyed making this trip with me, catching up on my life, and perhaps learning new things as you've gone along -I know I have. I aspire to inspire, but I'll settle for having given a few hearty laughs and heart-warming smiles amid my multitude of words. This blog has given me more than just a way to remember Spain by: it has also been a much needed outlet, a means of keeping in touch, and a way to reflect on what I was going through. This blog has been as much for me as for you, and I've enjoyed every second of it. I hope you have too and thank you so much for your comments and enjouragement. It means much more than you know.

Adios Spain and hello America.

Besos,

Jocelyn